Trainer and jockey quotes after Aardvark claims the Listed TCL Talindert Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Aardvark (D Lane/L & T Corstens) - $4.60
2nd: Reasonable Point (D Bates/B Brisbourne) - $15
3rd: Bittercreek (M Zahra/L & T Corstens) - $20
Winning Time: 1:04.70 Last 600m: N/A
Margins: 1¼L x Neck
Aardvark breaks his maiden in fine fashion
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 17, 2024
It's another talented 2YO wearing the @jmeharron dark green silks. @MaluaRacing @LaneDamian pic.twitter.com/Qeq58dMD7Q
Winning Trainer: Leon & Troy Corstens (James Harron speaking)
"Hats off to Dean Harvey and Troy (Corstens) because they purchased him as a yearling and we actually bought this horse after watching his trials and jump outs.
"We bought into the horse before his first start and he ran very creditably when he ran third to Coleman. He had a nice break and has come back a better version of himself.
Will be back up in the Blue Diamond: "It's not really about steering clear of anything (like Bodyguard). We'll see how he comes back and see what troy thinks.
"We just felt that Troy needed that extra bit of time. He was going to go to the Prelude but we just wanted his fitness levels to come on a bit more and Troy made a very smart decision in waiting that extra week and going down the straight here and had him cherry ripe for today.
"Damian Lane, he's done a lot of work on this horse and I've very grateful that he has put that effort in."
Winning Jockey: Damian Lane
How important it was to be following other horses: "Neither here nor there. We were going to work it out on the pace of the race and it worked out that he didn't jump that well so it forced my hand a little bit.
"In the end it was the spot to be and he blended into the race at the right time."
This colt's place among the current crop: "He is probably just off the A-graders at the moment but he got really hot pre-race and spent a lot of energy sweating up and getting himself into a bit of a fizz.
"If he can get a better handle on his pre-race manners, and he can improve out of the run, hopefully he can take the next step.
"I've trialled him three times this preparation and his manners are getting better. Hopefully today will bring him on."
